VirtualBox

VirtualBox, officially called Oracle VM VirtualBox, is a cross-platform hosted virtualization software for x86 computers. It enables users to run multiple guest operating systems on a single physical machine, with each guest running in its own virtual machine.

Developed by Oracle Corporation, VirtualBox traces its origins to Innotek GmbH, which released it in 2007. It was acquired by Sun Microsystems in 2008 and subsequently by Oracle in 2010. The project is distributed as open-source software under the GPLv2 for the core components, while the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack provides additional features under a separate license.

Host and guest support: VirtualBox runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris host systems and can host a wide variety of guest operating systems, including Windows, Linux, BSD, Solaris, and others.

Technical characteristics: VirtualBox is a type-2 (hosted) hypervisor that leverages the host operating system. It supports virtual disk images in multiple formats (VDI by default, with support for VHD and VMDK), virtual networking modes (NAT, Bridged, Host-Only, Internal), and hardware virtualization features such as multi-core virtual CPUs and acceleration via VT-x/AMD-V where available.

Features: Snapshots, clones, shared folders, seamless and full-screen modes, clipboard and drag-and-drop support between host and guest, USB device support, and 2D/3D acceleration with the Guest Additions included in the distribution.

Usage: Widely used for software development, testing, education, and running legacy software, VirtualBox is popular among individuals and organizations seeking a versatile, free virtualization solution.